State of the Sox: As always, it's hard to say. They've won two straight. But they've also lost three of five. Then again they have won six of the last 10. They start the day 8.5 games out of first but only 4.5 out in the wild card.

On a roll: Lester is 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA in his last five starts. He has allowed 18 hits over 34.2 innings and struck out 40.

Back in form: After going 5-13 with a 5.80 ERA last season, Liriano has rediscovered the form that made him one of the best pitchers in the majors back in 2006. He has allowed only 45 hits over 48 innings this season and struck out 46. He has not allowed any home runs.

Welcome aboard: Sanchez hit .313 through 36 games for Pawtucket with nine RBI. The 26-year-old has eight games of major league experience, all coming with the Royals in 2006. Sanchez hit .305 for Class AAA Las Vegas in the Toronto organization last season. The Red Sox were happy to sign him over the winter. Former Royals GM Allard Baird, now a Sox executive, made the recommendation.

Some random notage: The Sox have won six straight against the Twins at home dating back to 2008. … David Ortiz has 325 career home runs. That ties him for 96th all-time with Adam Dunn, Jermaine Dye and Willie Horton. … Kevin Youkilis has a .590 on-base percentage this month after going 1 for 3 with a walk last night. He leads the majors with 33 walks.

That's it for now. Check back later for more. Nick Cafardo will have the in-game updates.